Buying Online Businesses Podcast

In this episode of the Buying Online Businesses podcast, host Jaryd Krause sits down with Shlomo Freund, an author, speaker, digital marketer, and experienced online business buyer. Shlomo has built a portfolio of online businesses using a growth-by-acquisition strategy, and today, he’s sharing the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned along the way. Ever wondered how to keep going after a business acquisition doesn’t pan out the way you planned? Shlomo knows firsthand what it’s like to face challenges and bounce back. You’ll hear about the types of businesses he’s bought, including his very first acquisition, how he structured his second purchase, and how he’s successfully partnered with others to grow his portfolio. Plus, Shlomo reveals how he brings people into his team, the roles they take on, and how he structures incentives—whether it’s through wages, equity, or both. You’ll also get an honest look at his biggest mistakes, what he’d do differently, and his top tips for anyone thinking about buying an online business. And here’s a twist—Shlomo turns the tables and asks Jaryd about building the Buying Online Businesses community, something he’s looking to replicate with his own ventures. It’s an insightful conversation that shows just how important community can be in the world of online business. If you’re interested in acquiring online businesses, growing your portfolio, or just learning from someone who’s been through it all, this episode is a must-listen.  Tune in—you’re going to love it!   Episode Highlights 08:30 Identifying and adapting to changes in online business strategies. 10:00 Off-market deals vs. brokered deals - Finding the best opportunities. 12:00 Challenges with content websites and adapting to market changes. 14:00 Combining e-commerce with content sites - Building a resilient business model. 16:00 The importance of partnerships in scaling digital assets. 18:00 Building a portfolio of sub-$100K online businesses. 21:00 Community building tips and the power of consistency.   Key Takeaways ➥ Growth through acquisition requires not only buying businesses but also enhancing existing assets through strategic partnerships. ➥ Building a portfolio of smaller businesses under $100K can be a strategic way to minimize risk and explore diverse income streams. ➥ Diversifying income sources within acquired businesses, like adding e-commerce to content websites, can stabilize revenue. ➥ Showing up consistently and providing value is essential for building a strong and engaged community.   About Shlomo Freund Shlomo Freund  is an author, speaker and digital marketer. He helps ecommerce brands scale by building strong marketing channels outside of just paid ads. He’s also acquired businesses himself and used the growth by acquisition strategy to build a portfolio of online businesses.    Connect with Shlomo Freund ➥ https://assetbolt.com/  ➥ https://www.linkedin.com/in/shlomofreund/    Resource Links ➥ Buying Online Businesses Website - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com ➥ Sell your business to us here - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/sell-your-business/ ➥ Download the Due Diligence Framework - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/freeresources/ ➥ Google Ads Service - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/ads-services/ ➥ Connect with Jaryd here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarydkrause  ➥ Hostinger (Website Hosting) - https://bit.ly/3HUqW0s ➥ SEM Rush (SEO tool) - https://bit.ly/3lINGaV ➥ Convert Kit (Email Software Provider) - https://bit.ly/3o10Xgx   🔥Buy & Sell Online Businesses Here (Top Website Brokers We Use) 🔥 ➥ Empire Flippers - https://bit.ly/3RtyMkE ➥ Flippa - https://bit.ly/3wGa8r5 ➥ Motion Invest - https://bit.ly/3YmJAmO➥ Investors Club - https://bit.ly/3ZpgioR   *This post may contain affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site/posts at no additional cost to you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Buying Online Businesses podcast, Jaryd Krause speaks with Jpaul, a graduate of the Buying Online Businesses community who recently purchased his very first ecommerce business. JPaul will take you through the entire journey, from deciding to invest in an online business to finally acquiring one worth $5,000 per month in just five months. JPaul candidly shares the ups and downs of his experience, offering valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs that come with buying an online business for the first time. He discusses why he chose this path, how long the process took, and how many businesses he evaluated before making the final decision. He also opens up about the influence of external opinions, how they affected his journey, and how he ultimately stayed focused on his goal. In this engaging conversation, JPaul and Jaryd discuss: Why JPaul wanted to buy an online business and what motivated him to take the plunge The detailed due diligence process and why some businesses didn’t make the cut How external doubts and misconceptions impacted his mindset along the way A business opportunity he passed on due to a sudden Google algorithm change The financial details: purchase price, monthly revenue, and future growth potential Personal growth and the mindset shifts JPaul had to make to succeed in his journey If you’re curious about what it takes to buy your first online business and want to hear an honest account of the process, this episode is a must-listen. JPaul’s story is not just about acquiring a business; it’s about resilience, learning from setbacks, and pushing through challenges to achieve success. Tune in to learn from JPaul’s experience and get practical advice on how to navigate your path to buying a profitable online business!     Episode Highlights 10:28 Challenges in buying content sites due to algorithm changes  14:15 The importance of consistent effort in finding the right business  20:26 The mindset shift from being a wantrepreneur to a business owner  24:47 The value of due diligence and mentorship  28:08 Lessons learned from buying multiple businesses 30:26 Building a portfolio vs. focusing on one business  36:01 The benefit of acquiring an established business vs. starting from scratch  Key Takeaways ➥  Identifying a profitable ecommerce business requires evaluating key factors like the business model, customer base, and growth potential. ➥ Leveraging existing resources and applying personal expertise helps accelerate growth after an acquisition. ➥ Building strong relationships with sellers can offer valuable insights and ease the acquisition process. ➥ Scaling a business post-acquisition involves optimizing customer service, marketing, and diversifying revenue streams. ➥ Mentorship and expert guidance help avoid costly mistakes and inform strategic decisions. About The JPaul  Jpaul is a BuyingOnlineBusinesses.com graduate who bought his first online business. Being an entrepreneur he’s been in multiple different businesses including hospitality and he wanted to get into the online space and bought an ecommerce business, which we’ve already successfully started scaling.  Resource Links ➥ Buying Online Businesses Website - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com ➥ Sell your business to us here - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/sell-your-business/ ➥ Download the Due Diligence Framework - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/freeresources/ ➥ Google Ads Service - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/ads-services/ ➥ Connect with Jaryd here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarydkrause  ➥ Hostinger (Website Hosting) - https://bit.ly/3HUqW0s ➥ SEM Rush (SEO tool) - https://bit.ly/3lINGaV ➥ Convert Kit (Email Software Provider) - https://bit.ly/3o10Xgx   🔥Buy & Sell Online Businesses Here (Top Website Brokers We Use) 🔥 ➥ Empire Flippers - https://bit.ly/3RtyMkE ➥ Flippa - https://bit.ly/3wGa8r5 ➥ Motion Invest - https://bit.ly/3YmJAmO➥ Investors Club - https://bit.ly/3ZpgioR   *This post may contain affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you purchase through links on our site/posts at no additional cost to you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Buying Online Businesses podcast, host Jaryd Krause speaks with Rafal Chomsky, a performance marketing expert known for helping brands double their revenue, without increasing ad spend. Rafal brings a wealth of experience in Meta Ads, Google Ads, SEO, and team-led digital strategies that have generated millions in client revenue. Together, they explore how Rafal has achieved results like turning $1,600 in ad spend into $10,000 in revenue within just three months, and how his clients have scaled from $50K to $100K revenue while maintaining the same ad budgets. The conversation dives into why most businesses are leaving money on the table by relying too heavily on AI-driven campaigns like Google Performance Max or Meta’s automated systems, and what can be done instead to take back control. This conversation delves into the key aspects of scaling online businesses through performance marketing, including: ✔️ Why “set and forget” ad strategies fail in today’s market✔️ How Rafal retargets audiences efficiently across platforms with minimal spend✔️ What types of e-commerce and B2B businesses are seeing the biggest gains✔️ How SEO and link building enhance paid ad results for sustainable growth✔️ What traditional agencies get wrong—and how to avoid wasting budget Whether running an e-commerce store, SaaS platform, or media brand, this episode offers highly actionable insights for anyone ready to maximize their ROI and take a smarter approach to digital marketing. Tune in to discover how top-performing businesses are scaling revenue without spending more. Episode Highlights 02:30 How Rafal scaled a client from $50K to $100K with no extra ad spend 06:12 Why most people waste money on ads 09:55 The problem with traditional ad agencies 16:45 Meta vs. Google Ads – when to use each platform 20:03 Retargeting strategy that works 23:38 Why B2B businesses need to stop avoiding digital ads 25:00 Landing pages that convert Key Takeaways ➥ Doubling revenue without increasing ad spend is possible with better campaign structure, targeting, and creative testing. ➥ Meta Ads are powerful for generating demand and awareness, while Google Ads capture high-intent users ready to buy — using both is key to full-funnel success. ➥ Strategic retargeting based on user behavior (video views, cart activity, site visits) increases conversions and lowers cost per acquisition. ➥ Avoid cookie-cutter agency solutions — brands need custom strategies, data-driven decisions, and ongoing performance reviews to scale effectively. ➥ Ads that educate and build trust (rather than hard-sell) perform better in today’s market, leading to stronger customer relationships. ➥ Simplicity in messaging and funnel design boosts conversion; don’t overcomplicate the user journey from ad to purchase.   About The Rafal Chomsky  Rafal Chomsky specializations include deep SEO knowledge, Meta & Google ads marketing, whilst also running a team of highly successful marketers who’ve made millions for their clients through the campaigns they’ve run.  Connect with Rafal Chomsky  ➥ https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/ads-services/  Resource Links ➥ https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/ads-services/  ➥ Buying Online Businesses Website - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com ➥ Sell your business to us here - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/sell-your-business/ ➥ Download the Due Diligence Framework - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/freeresources/➥ Connect with Jaryd here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarydkrause  ➥ Hostinger (Website Hosting) - https://bit.ly/3HUqW0s ➥ SEM Rush (SEO tool) - https://bit.ly/3lINGaV ➥ Convert Kit (Email Software Provider) - https://bit.ly/3o10Xgx   🔥Buy & Sell Online Businesses Here (Top Website Brokers We Use) 🔥 ➥ Empire Flippers - https://bit.ly/3RtyMkE ➥ Flippa - https://bit.ly/3wGa8r5 ➥ Motion Invest - https://bit.ly/3YmJAmO ➥ Investors Club - https://bit.ly/3ZpgioR   *This post may contain affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site/posts at no additional cost to you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of the Buying Online Businesses podcast, Jaryd Krause sits down with Michael Frew, M&A advisor at WebStreet (formerly Empire Flippers Capital), to answer those exact questions—and more. Michael’s journey is a masterclass in strategic growth: from buying his first Amazon affiliate site to managing a multi-eight-figure portfolio of digital businesses across SaaS, e-commerce, content, and ad-based models. With a background in business, economics, and over 20 years in software development, Michael brings a rare blend of technical and financial insight into what makes a great acquisition—and what to avoid at all costs. In this episode, you will learn: How do you assess your budget and decide the right entry point for buying a business? Why can some deal structures kill a deal, and what works better? What did Michael’s multiple acquisitions teach him about risk, leverage, and operational focus? The evolving role of AI in online business—and whether it’s a threat, an opportunity, or both. Packed with insights from someone who’s seen it all, this episode is essential for first-time buyers and seasoned investors. Now, let’s dive in!   Episode Highlights 05:00  What Does It Mean to Buy an Online Business? 08:25  Challenges Faced When Buying Your First Online Business 14:50  Financing Your First Business Purchase 21:00  Lessons Learned from Multiple Acquisitions 27:30  Systems and Automation for Business Growth 32:40  Adding Value After Acquisition 38:00  Avoiding Common Mistakes in Business Acquisition   Key Takeaways ➥ Buying an online business offers a shortcut to entrepreneurship with established revenue streams and growth potential. ➥ Conducting thorough due diligence and evaluating financials are critical to making a successful online business acquisition. ➥ Acquiring multiple businesses diversifies risk and increases cash flow by expanding your revenue sources. ➥ Learning from multiple acquisitions helps streamline processes, identify successful strategies, and integrate businesses efficiently. ➥ Effective delegation and building a strong team are key to managing multiple businesses successfully.   About Michael Frew Michael Frew is the M&A advisor for Webstreet which was formerly Empire Flippers Capital. He received his B.S. and MBA in Business and Economics while studying in China, Hong Kong & The Netherlands, as well as several post-graduate information security certifications.Having been a successful software developer and consultant for two decades, he pivoted to collaborating with other developers on small side projects to help them gain traction and grow their bootstrapped businesses. This led to a deep dive into the niche world of digital business M&A. What started with the acquisition of a small Amazon Affiliate site led to managing an eight-figure portfolio of e-commerce, SaaS, content, and advertising businesses a decade later. Michael's business acquisition insights have been featured in dozens of media outlets like FE International, Indie Hackers, and Empire Flippers.   Connect with Michael Frew  ➥ https://www.michaelfrew.com ➥ https://content.devdrivenacquisitions.com Resource Links ➥ Connect with Jaryd Krause - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarydkrause ➥ Buying Online Businesses Website - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com ➥ Sell your business to us here - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/sell-your-business/ ➥ Download the Due Diligence Framework - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/freeresources/➥ Connect with Jaryd here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarydkrause  ➥ Cloud Ways (Website Hosting) - https://bit.ly/40tjyjG ➥ Surfer SEO (SEO tool for content writing) - https://bit.ly/3WWMKjM ➥ Market Muse (Content Marketing Software) - https://bit.ly/3Me39L0   🔥Buy & Sell Online Businesses Here (Top Website Brokers We Use) 🔥 ➥ Empire Flippers - https://bit.ly/3RtyMkE ➥ Flippa - https://bit.ly/3wGa8r5 ➥ Motion Invest - https://bit.ly/3YmJAmO➥ Investors Club - https://bit.ly/3ZpgioR   *This post may contain affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site/posts at no additional cost to you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the biggest business opportunity of the next decade wasn’t just about what you buy or sell… but how you do it? In this eye-opening episode of the Buying Online Businesses podcast, Jaryd Krause sits down with futurist, author, and AI evangelist Adam Boostrom to explore how artificial intelligence is not only revolutionizing online business—but completely transforming the way we buy, grow, and exit them. With degrees from the University of Chicago and UC Berkeley, Adam is no stranger to complex systems. He’s advised leaders, written bestselling sci-fi novels like Athena’s Choice, and now spends his time helping business owners reimagine what’s possible in the AI age. Together, Jaryd and Adam break down: How AI and AI agents can help you identify the right business to buy—faster and more accurately Ways to train AI tools to uncover financing options and analyze the perfect business size for your goals How to supercharge growth using AI-powered insights pulled directly from your competitors What it looks like when an AI agent runs due diligence for you—collecting data, preparing your listing, even building your exit strategy Plus, real prompts you can start using today to save time, boost profits, and take the guesswork out of your next big move If you’re a business buyer, seller, or operator, this conversation is your front-row seat to the future of entrepreneurship—and it’s coming faster than you think. Ready to make more money, with less manual work, and a whole lot more clarity? Let’s dive into the future of online business… with AI at the wheel.   Episode Highlights 03:16 - How AI is changing business acquisitions? 10:00 - Using AI to grow businesses by adopting competitors' strategies 14:00 - AI’s role in outcompeting rivals, like Moneyball in baseball 19:00 - How does digital labor and AI increase business efficiency? 31:38 - The need for brokers to adapt or risk being left behind   Key Takeaways ➥ AI is revolutionizing business acquisitions by offering repeatable processes and increasing efficiencies. ➥ Digital agents are making business operations far more efficient and streamlined. ➥ Recognizing new AI capabilities early can give businesses a competitive edge. ➥ AI can transform hiring processes and company culture for better outcomes. ➥ Online brokers need to integrate AI or risk falling behind in the market. ➥ Entrepreneurs can scale rapidly by acquiring multiple businesses using AI-driven strategies. About The Guest Adam Boostrom is a consultant, author, futurist, and unashamed lover of artificial intelligence. Through keynote addresses and foresight workshops, he partners with clients to reimagine the business scenarios of tomorrow. After earning degrees from the University of Chicago School of Economics, and the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business, Adam moved to New York, where he writes white papers and science fiction novels in his free time. His first book, Athena’s Choice, was an award-winning bestseller about an AI-enabled future without men. More recently, Adam has discovered an unrecognized talent for bar trivia.   Connect with Adam Boostrom ➥ https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-boostrom/    Resource Links ➥ Connect with Jaryd Krause - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarydkrause ➥ Buying Online Businesses Website - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com ➥ Sell your business to us here - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/sell-your-business/ ➥ Download the Due Diligence Framework - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/freeresources/➥ Connect with Jaryd here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarydkrause  ➥ Cloud Ways (Website Hosting) - https://bit.ly/40tjyjG ➥ Surfer SEO (SEO tool for content writing) - https://bit.ly/3WWMKjM ➥ Market Muse (Content Marketing Software) - https://bit.ly/3Me39L0   🔥Buy & Sell Online Businesses Here (Top Website Brokers We Use) 🔥 ➥ Empire Flippers - https://bit.ly/3RtyMkE ➥ Flippa - https://bit.ly/3wGa8r5 ➥ Motion Invest - https://bit.ly/3YmJAmO➥ Investors Club - https://bit.ly/3ZpgioR   *This post may contain affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site/posts at no additional cost to you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Raleigh Williams, a former Mergers & Acquisitions lawyer turned entrepreneur, as he shares his inspiring journey from law to launching a successful escape room business. He discusses the importance of finding purpose in work and life, blending passion with business endeavors. Raleigh explores the mental health struggles that can arise from chasing traditional success and how to rediscover creativity post-exit. With insights on navigating the entrepreneurial rollercoaster and achieving fulfillment, this conversation is a treasure trove for anyone seeking joy in their business journey.

In this special episode, Jaryd Krause sits down with Beau Eckstein to explore how aspiring entrepreneurs can buy a $1 million business with as little as $25,000 using SBA financing. Beau is a franchise and SBA loan expert, a seasoned business ownership coach, and the host of the Investor Financing podcast. With over 26 years of experience in lending, financing, and business acquisitions, he has helped thousands of entrepreneurs secure funding and successfully transition from employees to business owners. Throughout the episode, Beau shares his insights on navigating the SBA loan process—from understanding eligibility and repayment terms to exploring what kinds of businesses qualify. He and Jarrah also dive into creative deal structures that allow buyers to acquire businesses with minimal capital, the risks involved, and why commitment is essential when it comes to buying a business. Beau emphasizes building wealth through smart acquisitions and explains how owning multiple SBA-backed businesses can lead to lasting financial freedom and significant tax advantages. Real-world examples are discussed, comparing the financial outcomes of acquiring a $1M business with financing versus purchasing a smaller business outright. This episode is a must-listen for U.S.-based entrepreneurs looking to step into business ownership with strategic leverage.      Episode Highlights 03:00 How do you buy a business through financing? 10:00 What is the fattest way to replace your income? 19:00 Is buying a larger business more profitable? 26:30 Why is having a mentor crucial for your success? 37:00 Where to find Beau? Key Takeaways ➥ The business must demonstrate enough cash flow to cover loan repayment (debt service coverage). ➥ Credit score of 680+, a solid resume (not necessarily industry-specific), and ideally some outside income or the ability to draw a salary from the business. ➥ Acquiring cash-flowing businesses with SBA leverage can accelerate wealth creation. About The Guest Beau Eckstein is a franchise and SBA loan expert, business ownership coach, and seasoned investor with over 26 years of experience in lending, franchising, and business acquisition. As the host of The Investor Financing Podcast, Beau has helped thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs secure funding, navigate the complexities of SBA loans, and find the perfect franchise or business to own. Through his extensive network and deep industry expertise, Beau connects business buyers with the right opportunities while guiding them through the financing process. His content—spanning podcasts, YouTube videos, and live events have generated millions in funded deals and empowered entrepreneurs to transition from employees to successful business owners. Beau’s passion is helping people break free from the corporate grind, build lasting wealth, and create their legacy. Connect with Beau Eckstein    ➥ https://beaueckstein.com/bookwithbeau/ ➥ https://beaueckstein.com   Resource Links ➥ Buying Online Businesses Website - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com ➥ Sell your business to us here - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/sell-your-business/ ➥ Download the Due Diligence Framework - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/freeresources/➥ Connect with Jaryd here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarydkrause  🔥Buy & Sell Online Businesses Here (Top Website Brokers We Use) 🔥 ➥ Empire Flippers - https://bit.ly/3RtyMkE ➥ Flippa - https://bit.ly/3wGa8r5 ➥ Motion Invest - https://bit.ly/3YmJAmO➥ Investors Club - https://bit.ly/3ZpgioR   *This post may contain affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site/posts at no additional cost to you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many business owners overlook a powerful strategy hiding in plain sight—using their marketing budget to fuel acquisitions and build a portfolio of successful businesses. In this episode of the Buying Online Businesses podcast, host Jaryd Krause speaks with Marty Fahncke, a seasoned marketer with over 30 years of experience in business growth and scaling. With more than two decades in mergers and acquisitions, Marty has helped businesses reach over a billion dollars in revenue and has executed more than $450 million in M&A transactions. This conversation delves into the key aspects of acquiring and selling online businesses, including: ✔️ The types and sizes of businesses that are ideal for acquisition✔️ Common mistakes sellers make and how to avoid them✔️ Strategies for bolting on businesses to an existing brand✔️ The process of identifying, acquiring, and financing the right business✔️ The "leaky bucket" problem and how businesses can save thousands of dollars per month For anyone looking to scale through acquisitions and make smarter investment decisions in the online business space, this episode is for you. Tune in to discover how to leverage acquisitions for long-term growth.   Episode Highlights 02:40 Marty’s journey as an M&A Advisor 11:30 A good relationship is sometimes the key! 18:00 How to build a growth strategy? 25:00 What’s the timeframe in selling a business? 33:20 Not all businesses are sellable 38:00 Reputation is everything!   Key Takeaways ➥ Buying a business with proven revenue is often a safer bet than scaling through paid advertising, which requires time, testing, and investment with no guaranteed success. ➥ U.S. buyers can leverage SBA loans to acquire businesses with minimal upfront capital, while international buyers often rely on self-funding or revenue-based financing from third-party lenders. ➥Strengthen your core business before acquiring—acquisition is not a fix for internal issues.   About The Guest Meet Marty M. Fahncke (pronounced Fawn-Key), a seasoned world-class Marketer with over 30 years of experience in growing & scaling businesses, and over 20 years of experience in Mergers and Acquisitions. In that time, Marty has helped businesses scale to over $1 Billion in revenue and executed over $450 million in Mergers and Acquisitions transactions.   Connect with Marty M. Fahncke   ➥ https://www.WestboundRoad.com   Resource Links ➥ Buying Online Businesses Website - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com ➥ Sell your business to us here - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/sell-your-business/ ➥ Download the Due Diligence Framework - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/freeresources/➥ Connect with Jaryd here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarydkrause  🔥Buy & Sell Online Businesses Here (Top Website Brokers We Use) 🔥 ➥ Empire Flippers - https://bit.ly/3RtyMkE ➥ Flippa - https://bit.ly/3wGa8r5 ➥ Motion Invest - https://bit.ly/3YmJAmO➥ Investors Club - https://bit.ly/3ZpgioR   *This post may contain affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site/posts at no additional cost to you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we feature a thought-provoking conversation with Michael Frankel, the founder and managing partner of Trajectory Capital. With decades of experience in corporate development, innovation strategy, and corporate ventures, Michael has held C-level roles at prominent companies like Deloitte, Lexis Nexis Group, GE Capital, and VeriSign. Having participated in over 110 deals throughout his career, he brings valuable insights to the table. They dive into the world of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), exploring why it can serve as a strategic "cheat code" for scaling businesses. However, as Frankel emphasizes, M&A isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. The discussion covers how business owners can evaluate whether acquisitions are the right growth strategy and what considerations are essential for success. Michael shares useful tips on: Developing a clear acquisition strategy that aligns with business goals Identifying suitable targets, whether for products, technology, talent, or market expansion Financing acquisitions while effectively managing risks Recognizing the critical role an M&A advisor plays in minimizing risks and maximizing ROI If you're thinking about growing your business through acquisitions or want to know how M&A can build wealth, this episode is packed with practical advice. Michael’s experience offers valuable guidance to help you make smart choices. Tune in and find out how M&A could be the key to your business growth. Episode Highlights 02:50 Michael’s background as “CFO” 11:00 How to grow a business through acquisition? 20:30 How do you get the capital for your business? 29:00 You need M&A to execute the transaction! 38:30 Be better at what you do by repeating it 43:30 Where to find Michael? Key Takeaways ➥ Decisions should be data-driven. Analyze sales, marketing, and operational data to identify what’s working and where improvements can be made. ➥ Before acquiring, compare the benefits of building a solution in-house versus buying an existing business. ➥ A strategic CFO can turn financial data into actionable insights that drive growth and optimize operations. ➥Advisors offer expert insights and reduce risks, ensuring you make informed decisions. About The Guest Michael Frankel is the Founder and Managing Partner of Trajectory Capital.  He has held C-level executive roles (corporate development, strategy/innovation, CFO, COO) at large and small growth companies.  He is a Corporate Development, Innovation, Strategy, and Corporate Venture leader who has driven aggressive growth/expansion at global technology, information services, and professional services companies including Deloitte, LexisNexis Group, IRI, GE Capita,l and VeriSign.  Michael has a track record of executing growth strategies using acquisitions, ecosystems,s and corporate venture investments (over 110 deals across his career).     Connect with Michael Frankel   ➥ https://michaelfrankel.com/ ➥ https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankelmichael/ Resource Links ➥ Buying Online Businesses Website - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com ➥ Sell your business to us here - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/sell-your-business/ ➥ Download the Due Diligence Framework - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/freeresources/➥ Connect with Jaryd here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarydkrause  ➥ Site Ground (Website Hosting) - https://bit.ly/3JBEC1u ➥ Surfer SEO (SEO tool for content writing) - https://bit.ly/3WWMKjM ➥ Convert Kit (Email Software Provider) - https://bit.ly/3o10Xgx 🔥Buy & Sell Online Businesses Here (Top Website Brokers We Use) 🔥 ➥ Empire Flippers - https://bit.ly/3RtyMkE ➥ Flippa - https://bit.ly/3wGa8r5 ➥ Motion Invest - https://bit.ly/3YmJAmO➥ Investors Club - https://bit.ly/3ZpgioR   *This post may contain affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you purchase through links on our site/posts at no additional cost to you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When acquiring an e-commerce business, conducting thorough legal due diligence is essential to mitigating risk and ensuring a sound investment. Overlooking critical legal aspects can lead to unforeseen liabilities, intellectual property disputes, or tax complications that may jeopardize the deal. In this episode, Jaryd Krause speaks with Paul Rafelson, a seasoned attorney with over 15 years of experience in corporate law, M&A, intellectual property, and tax matters. A highly regarded expert in the e-commerce space, Rafelson is frequently cited in major news outlets and was the most referenced source in the U.S. government’s investigation into Amazon’s business practices regarding third-party merchants. Before launching his private practice focused on e-commerce businesses, he held in-house legal positions at major corporations such as Microsoft, Walmart, and General Electric. This discussion explores the most common legal due diligence mistakes buyers make when acquiring an e-commerce business, the risks sellers often overlook, and strategies to protect both parties. The conversation also dives into legal pitfalls specific to Amazon-based businesses, where a significant portion of revenue is tied to a single product. Additionally, Rafelson provides insight into why some lawyers hinder deals rather than facilitate them and offers guidance on selecting legal professionals specializing in e-commerce acquisitions. Tune in to gain expert knowledge on safeguarding an e-commerce acquisition through proper legal due diligence. Now, let’s dive in!   Episode Highlights 03:00 Paul’s journey into M&A 11:00 Acquire trademarks too! 19:00 What to check when buying a business? 24:30 What is going to the beach syndrome? 31:30 Why understanding risks are important?   Key Takeaways ➥ Proper due diligence ensures a smoother acquisition process and prevents legal pitfalls. ➥ Buyers must focus on IP rights, legal compliance, and financing options to make informed decisions. ➥ As the market evolves, understanding these factors is key to successful e-commerce investments.   About The Paul Rafelson Paul Rafelson is an experienced attorney with over 15 years in complex Corporate, Intellectual Property M&A and Tax matters. He is also a trusted resource in the e-commerce world, regularly quoted in the news on the issues involving Amazon and e-commerce. Paul was also the most-cited source of information in the US government's investigation into Amazon’s business practices as it pertains to third-party merchants. Before starting a private practice dedicated to the needs of e-commerce businesses, Paul spent the majority of his career in-house at some of the largest companies in the world such as Microsoft, Walmart, and General Electric.   Connect with Paul Rafelson   ➥ www.ecom.law➥ www.sellerbasics.com   Resource Links ➥ Buying Online Businesses Website - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com ➥ Sell your business to us here - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/sell-your-business/ ➥ Download the Due Diligence Framework - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/freeresources/➥ Connect with Jaryd here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarydkrause  ➥ Hostinger (Website Hosting) - https://bit.ly/3HUqW0s ➥ SEM Rush (SEO tool) - https://bit.ly/3lINGaV ➥ Convert Kit (Email Software Provider) - https://bit.ly/3o10Xgx 🔥Buy & Sell Online Businesses Here (Top Website Brokers We Use) 🔥 ➥ Empire Flippers - https://bit.ly/3RtyMkE ➥ Flippa - https://bit.ly/3wGa8r5 ➥ Motion Invest - https://bit.ly/3YmJAmO➥ Investors Club - https://bit.ly/3ZpgioR   *This post may contain affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site/posts at no additional cost to you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.